Help on resumes, negotiating offers, etc.

An offer of help from former Chron legal affairs reporter Harriet Chiang. Thanks for thinking of us, Harriet:

I'd be glad to talk to people about job markets, resume-writing, how to negotiate an offer, and other insights I picked up from some excellent consultants. I'm at harriet.chiang@gmail.com

Harriet Chiang

IN ADDITION ...

Harriet passed along these two job opps, although they may be more suited for those outside the newsroom. Here goes:

Director of Human Resources (San Francisco)

The company, a full-service television production and product branding company in San Francisco, is seeking to fill a newly-created position of Director of Human Resources to guide and manage the overall provision of Human Resources (HR) services, policies, and programs for staff positions as well as benefit administration services for an approximate 75 staff and freelance employees. The company expects to grow both domestically and internationally.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Human Resources will assist and advise company managers and employees about HR issues. The ideal candidate is experienced in the full range of HR functional areas including compensation and benefits, strong recruiting knowledge and skills, HR systems, and the identification and implementation of successful employee relations and retention practices. The Director will be very “hands-on” initially but may supervise a small staff either directly or on a project basis.

Major areas of responsibility
• HR function development and management, including strategy/policy/process/supervision;
• Recruitment and staffing;
• Employee orientation, development, and training;
• Employee relations;
• Compensation and benefits administration;
• Employee safety, welfare, wellness, and counseling programs
• Assisting in organizational, space, and other company planning

Essential Requirements
• Minimum of 10 years human resources experience, including experience directing or managing a human resources function or team. International HR experience is desirable.
• HR experience in media/arts production, broadcasting, or similar field which has included creative staff.
• Strong management, analytical and written/oral communication skills.
• BA degree in business or job-related field; MBA is desirable.

Compensation: Necessary to hire the best person and will include base salary + bonus + excellent company benefits.

Please forward a resume & cover/transmittal letter to Becky Taylor: BLTaylorAssoc@comcast.net. All resumes will be kept confidential and no resume will be submitted to a client without the candidate’s prior approval.

Director of Business & Legal Affairs (San Francisco)

The company, a full-service television production and product branding company in San Francisco, is currently seeking to fill a newly-created position of Director Of Business & Legal Affairs to execute and manage the full range of business and legal issues common in the entertainment, broadcast, and advertising industry. The company is privately held, has an approximate 75 staff and freelancers, and is expected to grow both domestically and internationally.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is expected to assist and advise management on general contractual risks, negotiation strategies, and contractual/legal best practices both in the US and internationally. The role is very “hands-on” at this time with limited use of outside counsel. The ideal candidate is experienced in the full range of business affairs and legal affairs, including licensing, copyright, and other intellectual property-related issues, as well as negotiating new arrangements and alliances in production and licensing.

Major areas of responsibility:
• Guiding general contractual matters and transactions;
• Negotiating, drafting, and analyzing agreements that relate to licensing, substantiation, real estate, and compliance;
• Advising senior staff on terms of use and intellectual property and copyright matters;
• Recommending and implementing improvements to forms, processes, and procedures related to substantiation, releases, and licensing.
• Reviewing administration-related legal issues in areas such as human resources, finance, and purchasing.

Essential Requirements:
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and a valid State of California Bar license.
• Minimum of 5 years legal experience in a related industry, ideally in a production/copyright and broadcast environment. International experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of laws related to direct response advertising and television production is preferred.
• Strong analytical and written/oral communication skills.

Compensation : Necessary to hire the best person and will include base salary + bonus + excellent company benefits.

Please forward a resume and cover/transmittal letter to Becky L. Taylor: BLTaylorAssoc@comcast.net. All resumes will be kept confidential and no resume will be submitted to a client without the candidate’s prior approval.